Ex-convict jailed 14 years for stealing in Ondo

A 20-year-old ex-convict, Joseph Babatunde, has been handed a 14-year jail term for stealing in Akure, Ondo State.

The prosecutor, Ayodele Jejeniwa, told the court that the defendant, a hair stylist and ex-convict for a similar crime, with others at large on May 10, 2024, at about 10pm on Ayoni Street, Akure, broke into the mechanic workshop of one Oluwole and stole a Toyota Hilux engine valued at N1m.

He also alleged that the defendant on May 19, 2024, at about 2am on Araromi Street, Ijoka, broke into the shop and stole 18 plastic chairs valued at N87,000.

Ruling on the case, Magistrate Margaret Omole held that the prosecution’s evidence corroborated the defendant’s admission of the crime.

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Ms Omole found the defendant guilty of all the counts he was charged with and sentenced him to four years in jail with hard labour each on counts one, two and three, and two years in jail for count four with an option of a N180,000 fine.